Archbishop Jala laid to rest at Shillong cathedral
Thousands of people including political leaders, Bishops and priests attended the funeral service
A Correspondent
SHILLONG: Meghalaya on Wednesday bid a tearful farewell to Archbishop Dominic Jala, of the Shillong Archdiocese.
It is estimated that around 1 lakh faithful attended the final journey of Archbishop Jala.
The family members of the Archbishop who attended the funeral service were seen crying during the final journey.
Thousands of faithful gathered for the nearly four hour-long funeral service held at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Laitumkhrah, Shillong.
Archbishop Jala, 68, died in a car accident in California on October 11 (October 10 local time). His mortal remains arrived here on Sunday.
The funeral service was led by Archbishop of Guwahati diocese, Rev John Moolachira.
Apart from the faithful, political leaders also attended the funeral, which included, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma his cabinet colleagues, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, James Sangma, AL Hek, Lakhmen Rymbui, Sniawbhalang Dhar, Hamletson Dohling, Samlin Malngiang, Banteidor Lyngdoh, Kyrmen Shylla, State Planning Board Chairman Lambor Malngiang, leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma, Shillong Lok Sabha MP Vincent H Pala, Congress legislators Ampareen Lyngdoh, George Lyngdoh, BJP Rajya Sabha MP, KJ Alphons among others.
Bishops from the all over country and the region numbering around 16 attended the funeral of Archbishop Jala. Also around 250 priests attended the funeral service.
Adhering to the appeal from the Church and the East Khasi Hills police, the faithful staying in and around the city were seen walking to the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, the venue for the funeral.
Condolences from the Vatican and other parishes and archdioceses across the country were also read.
Brother of the Archbishop, Dr Louise Jala also spoke at the funeral service. The State Chief Minister and leader of Opposition also spoke at the funeral service.
The mortal remains of Archbishop Jala were buried within the Cathedral compound which is a departure from the past tradition of mortal remains of Archbishops and Bishops being buried inside.
Inside the Cathedral here, Archbishop Jala’s predecessors – Archbishops Hubert D’Rosario and T Resto Phanrang – were laid to rest.
All Catholic-run institutions in the Shillong and Jowai Diocese had declared a holiday for the funeral of the Archbishop.